Approach gets go-ahead for International
The Galileo colt has not been seen in racecourse action since winning the Vodafone Derby at Epsom in June and was on target for a mouth-watering clash with Duke Of Marmalade at York on Tuesday.
It looked as though racegoers may miss out on what could be the race of the season with the Ebor meeting abandoned, but the race could now be back on with Bolger satisfied with conditions at Headquarters.
“New Approach is definitely going to run at Newmarket on Saturday,” said Bolger.
“Hopefully it will be nice, good ground as that will suit him well.”
Coral-Eclipse runner-up Phoenix Tower is also on target for the Group One contest and is reportedly in the form of his life for what looks sure to be a tough assignment.
“I spoke to Henry (Cecil) this morning and he is very pleased with the horse,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah.
“I think he is really a fast-ground horse and with the ground good to firm at Newmarket, he should be in very good nick. He has trained very well in the run-up to the race and he ran a good race in the Eclipse.
“It’s hard to say he’s not a genuine Group One contender as he really is.”
Meanwhile John Gosden is hoping Raven’s Pass can secure a deserved success in Saturday’s totesport.com Celebration Mile at Goodwood.
Although still without a victory this season, the son of Elusive Quality finished fourth in the 2000 Guineas and has finished second in Group One company on three occasions since.
He was only beaten a head by the seemingly unstoppable Henrythenavigator in the Sussex Stakes over this course and distance last time and few would begrudge him victory in this Group Two event.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Raven’s Pass back on the track and he has been working nicely since his last run at Goodwood,” said Gosden.
“I will check the ground beforehand as he doesn’t want it too soft, but the plan is to run at this stage.”
Raven’s Pass is receiving weight from each of his four older rivals, led by Luca Cumani’s Bankable.
Third Set represents Godolphin despite having disappointed at Salisbury last week, while Docofthebay and Dubai’s Touch complete the field.
